---
author:
  name: "Tony Grosinger"
date: 2022-05-01
type:
  - post
  - posts
title: Custom Keyboards
cardCategory: Project
shouldLink: true
weight: 25
---

Started experimenting with custom keyboard design and fabrication. See [the
designs here](https://git.sr.ht/~tgrosinger/keyboards).

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For the last several years I have been using the
[GergoPlex](https://www.gboards.ca/product/gergoplex) keyboard. I love the
ultra-thin profile, and the perfect balance it achieves with having just the
right number of keys. That being said, there are a couple of changes I've wanted
to make.

My first new keyboard,
[Chrysemys](https://git.sr.ht/~tgrosinger/keyboards/tree/main/item/chrysemys),
is very heavily inspired by the GergoPlex, however it is a single piece rather
than two half boards connected with a cable. I have also moved the thumb keys
out towards the center a bit, added Bluetooth connectivity, and used even
thinner switches. This board is an experiment, and has allowed me to learn a
tremendous amount about designing circuits and keyboards specifically. I imagine
there will be many more custom keyboards in my future.

Some ideas I want to experiment with:

- Adding an optical encoder and roller bearings to support a track ball.
- Adding a salvaged TrackPoint under the right hand index finger (obviously not on the same keyboard as the trackball).
- Integrate the MCU into the board, rather than using a separate socketed board.